INDIANAPOLIS — Performance Racing Industry has named legendary engine builder Ed Pink and sprint car racing industry pioneer Shirley Kear Valentine to the 2026 PRI Hall of Fame class.
The PRI Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers, leadership and innovation have made a lasting impact on motorsports. An industry committee selects inductees based on their achievements, years of involvement and integrity.
“Ed Pink and Shirley Kear Valentine represent two essential parts of the racing industry: technical innovation and an enduring commitment to helping racers compete and succeed,” said PRI Managing Director Doug Bresnahan. “We’re proud to recognize the impact they have on racing and the people who make it possible.”
Pink founded Ed Pink Racing Engines in 1958 and became one of the most respected engine builders in motorsports. His career began in land-speed racing before expanding into drag racing and oval track competition, including work with Ford on its 427 SOHC drag racing engine program.
Engines built by Pink powered competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, IMSA, Indy car and USAC competition, earning more than 100 wins and more than 10 various national championships. He died April 27, 2025, at age 94.
“Ed would have been incredibly proud to receive this recognition from PRI and the racing industry he dedicated his life to,” said Sylvia Pink. “He was passionate about building great engines and helping racers succeed, and I’m proud to accept this honor on behalf of Ed and our family.”
Kear Valentine is the co-founder of Kear’s Speed Shop, established in 1969 with her husband, Chuck. The business grew into a nationally recognized supplier to the sprint car racing community, with Kear Valentine and her family traveling to racetracks across the country to support racers and teams.
Her contributions to sprint car racing earned her induction into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2016, where she became the fourth woman and first supplier to receive the honor.
“I’m honored to be included in the PRI Hall of Fame,” said Kear Valentine. “Racing has been such an important part of my life, and I’m proud of what we built at Kear’s Speed Shop and the relationships we’ve built along the way. To be recognized by the industry I’ve been part of for so many years means a great deal to me.”
Pink and Kear Valentine will be formally inducted into the PRI Hall of Fame during the Grand Opening Breakfast at the 2026 PRI Show on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
The PRI Hall of Fame was introduced in 2024 with its inaugural class of PRI founder Steve Lewis and legendary camshaft manufacturer Ed “Isky” Iskenderian. The 2025 class included Paul “Scooter” Brothers, John Kilroy and Chris Raschke.
